Superfood, what is that?
A very fundamental problem with regard to this topic arises from the fact that there is as yet no uniform definition of the term “superfoods”. In order to be able to make very precise statements, it is advisable for this reason to carry out case-by-case tests. In principle, however, it can be said that the majority of products offered as “superfoods” are characterized by a dhigh content of nutrients important for the human organism. However, these are usually not higher than those found in common domestic fruits and vegetables.
Regardless of the nutrient content, “superfoods” are often said to have special health-promoting properties, which, however, cannot usually be proven in any way. Corresponding information usually comes from the manufacturers themselves. Independent, scientifically founded statements are missing, however.
Beware of undesirable interactions
It should also be borne in mind that “exotic” foods are particularly predestined to trigger allergic reactions or other undesirable interactions within the organism. People who are dependent on the regular intake of medicines should be particularly careful in this respect. For example, goji berries, which are one of the most widespread representatives of the superfood category, can be dangerous even in processed form for people who take medications to inhibit blood clotting.
Often, the amount of health-promoting nutrients can also significantly undercut that of fresh regional produce. Certainly, at the beginning of the production chain of superfoods is also a fresh and nutrient-rich food. However, the place of origin of such a product is usually in a region from which the way to Germany is very long. Therefore, it is often harvested too early, heavily processed and is on the road for a relatively long time. As a consumer who is always at the end of this chain, you should therefore ask yourself how much of the valuable nutrients actually reaches you.
Hidden pollutants
In addition, it is not uncommon for superfoods to contain a particularly large amount of harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs for short), mineral oils or pathogenic bacteria. Here, too, the example of the goji berries mentioned earlier can be brought into play: In these, large amounts of insecticides are often detected.
It should also always be remembered that superfoods usually have to travel a very long way from distant countries. This not only harms agriculture in the consumers’ home regions, but also has
ecological consequences. In particular, the increased emission of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide worsens the ecological balance of superfoods in this respect.
In summary, it can be said that superfoods cannot fundamentally be described as nonsense. However, it is advisable to take a close look at each individual representative of this novel category. And in case of doubt, the fresh and regional food should always be preferred, if possible. With regard to this, the risk of doing more harm than good to one’s own health is reduced to a minimum.
